What we can do: Community solutions and individual actions
We all have a shared responsibility to do more to combat climate change and protect our local environment. These articles provide tips and resources for taking action at home and in your community. There are so many ways to take action on climate change, and additional articles and resources will be added regularly.
Achieving our zero-waste and climate-action goals will require a lot of different people putting their interests, skills, talents, and connections to work in a lot of different areas. Learn what the county is doing doing and get ideas for how you can be part of the solution to find an opportunity that works for you!
May is Arbor Month, and this year we’re celebrating the important role that trees play in fighting climate change and getting to net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about the climate benefits of trees and steps you can take to protect them.
Having more conversations about climate change is important for promoting social change and developing social norms. Find tips to help you have productive conversations.
When thinking about climate change, people often wonder: “So, what can I do?” Find questions to ask yourself to help you figure out where best to focus your efforts plus information about the most important climate actions.
Teaching about climate change can be complicated, but educators don’t need to generate curriculum themselves. Explore the many educational resources that already exist, including full curriculum programs, individual activities, downloadable games, and digital interactive tools.
Create meals, not waste: Planning ahead to reduce food waste
Reducing food waste is a surprisingly powerful climate solution. Making changes in your kitchen and when you go shopping can significantly reduce the amount of food that goes to waste and save you money.
The cost – and impacts – of rotten apples, spoiled vegetables, leftovers that never get eaten, and questionable half carton of milk all adds up. Fortunately, there are many ways that we can store food different to make sure it gets enjoyed instead of going to waste.
Going solar at home is a good option for creating clean, renewable, local power right at home. Learn how on-site solar works and get tips for selecting an installer.
Minnesota winters provide a variety of exciting opportunities – whether that be sledding, ice skating, skiing, or curling up under a blanket. But winter also presents many hazards we need to prepare for – including extreme cold, snow, and ice. Learn ways to make sure you are prepared to stay safe this winter.
Keeping your home comfortable in the winter while saving energy
Cold weather is here in Minnesota! Staying comfortable in your home this winter isn’t as hard as you may think. In fact, by taking a few simple steps to make your home more energy efficient, you can stay cozy and save money, even in the coldest months.
Most plastics are made from oil and gas – fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. About 4% to 8% of the world's oil production is for plastics, and most plastics are thrown away after a single use. By reducing your plastic use, you can also reduce your carbon footprint.
Grounding climate change education, communication, and conversations in basic science is helpful for creating a productive space to think about solutions. Learn metaphors and analogies that have provide effective in increasing understanding of the complex concepts of climate change.
Climate change is causing weather to become more extreme. As severe weather events grow more frequent and impactful, it’s important to prepare.
Minnesotans love spending time outdoors in summer, but summer heat and humidity can be dangerous, especially for those with underlying health conditions or who work or exercise outdoors. Learn how to be prepared for hot days and steps to take to stay cool.
Staying cool in your home in the hottest months of summer while conserving energy isn’t as hard as you may think. Making your home more energy efficient means you can stay comfortable and save money, even in the warmest months.
The Twin Cities area can experience air quality alerts during the summer due to an increase in fine particles caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada and the western United States. Sign up to be notified of air quality alerts and learn steps to take during poor air quality days.
Drought is a naturally occurring feature of Minnesota’s climate, and climate projections suggest that the potential for drought will increase in Minnesota in the coming decades. Learn steps to conserve water to help protect this valuable resource and ensure you are prepared for future climate extremes.
In recognition of Earth Day, Hennepin County is highlighting recent climate action successes and offering ideas on how we can all get involved as individuals and in our communities to be part of the solution to protect our local environment.
How to live a lower waste lifestyle: insights from Zero Waste Challenge participants
Every year, Hennepin County offers a Zero Waste Challenge where participants get personalized help to develop customized waste-reduction plans and make low-waste lifestyle changes. And each year, the participating households achieve impressive results. So how do they do it? Discover actions that participants said had a significant impact on reducing waste.
Keeping rainwater on your yard is a good way to prevent localized flooding and protect water quality.
What we buy has a big impact on the climate. Luckily, many items can be repaired and used for years to come. But repairing something can feel like a daunting task. This is where Fix-It Clinics come in! Residents have been learning repair skills in a collaborative, empowering, and joyful setting for over a decade.
Join a community science project to investigate climate change impacts
Volunteering your time to a community science project helps improve our understanding of environmental issues and climate change impacts. There are numerous community science projects that you can get involved in right away to track changes in the seasons, habitat, and wildlife due to climate change.
Feeling stress or anxiety due to climate change is common. Find resources to cope and learn how to move from worry to action.
Plan a local eco-getaway this summer to reduce airplane travel
Mile for mile, flying is the most damaging way to travel for the climate. Reducing airplane travel is one of the most impactful ways we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This summer, trade one airplane vacation for a local eco-getaway instead.
We rely on pollinators to help plants that we need grow. You can help pollinators by making changes in your yard and garden.
Turn your fruit and vegetable scraps and yard waste into compost you can use in your garden. The county sells compost bins to help you get set up.
Celebrate Earth Day 2022: Be part of the solution to climate change
Climate change is solvable, we know the solutions, and we’re in this together. Most people are interested in creating a climate-friendly future. To create that future, we need to be willing to take significant action on the most impactful changes.